Morocco became the first team to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in a high-intensity Round of 16 clash. Despite withstanding sustained Canadian pressure in the opening stages, the Atlas Lions produced a clinical second-half display, with Azzedine Ounahi’s brace proving decisive.
The match began at a frenetic pace as Canada applied relentless pressure from the opening whistle, forcing Morocco onto the back foot in an entertaining end-to-end contest. The intensity spilled over into several physical challenges, prompting the referee to issue a series of yellow cards to keep the game under control.
Morocco suffered an early setback when Ismael Saibari was forced off with an injury after picking up a knock in the opening exchanges. However, the Atlas Lions regrouped and gradually grew into the contest.
The breakthrough arrived in the 50th minute through a brilliantly worked set-piece. Achraf Hakimi rolled a short free-kick to Azzedine Ounahi just outside the penalty area, and the midfielder unleashed a superb first-time strike into the net to hand Morocco the lead.
As Canada searched for an equaliser, Morocco exploited the spaces left behind. Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute, racing onto a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz before calmly curling his finish beyond the goalkeeper to complete his brace.
The Atlas Lions put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time when Soufiane Rahimi capped off a swift counterattack with a composed left-footed finish into the far corner in the 90+8th minute.
Morocco’s disciplined defensive display and ruthless finishing secured a deserved 3-0 victory, making the Atlas Lions the first nation to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. While Canada’s memorable campaign ended in the Round of 16, they leave the tournament with immense credit after exceeding expectations through spirited performances and an inspiring knockout-stage run. Morocco will now face the winner of the France vs Paraguay Round of 16 clash in the quarter finals.